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Laser Process Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

VulcanForms

Senior Laser Process Engineer

Devens, MA · On-site

$115K - $149K/yr

Job Purpose As the Senior Laser Process Engineer , you will serve as the primary technical owner and process expert for the advanced laser marking and industrial traceability cells powering ...

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Laser Process Engineer information

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$40.5K

$112.1K

$188K

How much do laser process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for laser process engineer in the United States is $112,096.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,500.00 and $161,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Laser Process Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Laser Process Engineer, you need a solid background in materials science, physics, or engineering, often supported by a related bachelor’s or master’s degree. Familiarity with laser systems, CAD software, and process control tools, as well as certifications in laser safety, are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure precise process development, safe operation, and successful collaboration on high-precision manufacturing projects.

What does a Laser Process Engineer do?

A Laser Process Engineer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting processes that use lasers in manufacturing or research environments. They work with laser systems to cut, weld, engrave, or modify materials, ensuring efficiency, quality, and safety. Their role often involves collaborating with design, production, and quality teams to implement and improve laser-based applications, as well as maintaining equipment and writing technical documentation. Laser Process Engineers may also conduct experiments to determine best practices and support the integration of new laser technologies.

What are some typical challenges a Laser Process Engineer faces when developing new laser applications?

Laser Process Engineers often encounter challenges such as optimizing process parameters to achieve precise results, ensuring consistent quality across different materials, and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions. Working closely with cross-functional teams—like design, quality, and manufacturing—is common to address these issues efficiently. Continuous learning is vital, as new laser technologies and materials frequently emerge, requiring ongoing adaptation and innovation. Successfully overcoming these challenges helps engineers advance to senior roles or specialize further within the field.

What is the difference between Laser Process Engineer vs Laser Manufacturing Technician?

AspectLaser Process EngineerLaser Manufacturing Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field, certifications in laser technologyHigh school diploma or associate degree, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentDesign, optimize, and troubleshoot laser processes in labs or production settingsOperate and maintain laser equipment on the manufacturing floor
Industry UsageUsed across industries like aerospace, automotive, electronicsPrimarily in manufacturing plants for assembly and fabrication
Job FocusProcess development, improvement, and technical problem-solvingEquipment operation, routine maintenance, and quality checks

The main difference between a Laser Process Engineer and a Laser Manufacturing Technician lies in their roles and responsibilities. The engineer focuses on developing and optimizing laser processes, requiring higher education and technical expertise. In contrast, the technician operates and maintains laser equipment, often with less formal education but essential hands-on skills for daily manufacturing tasks.

More about Laser Process Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Laser Process Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Laser Process Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Laser Process Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Laser Process Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Laser Process Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Laser Process Engineer jobs are:
Laser Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Laser Process Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,096 per year, or $53.9 per hour.
Senior Laser Process Engineer

Senior Laser Process Engineer

VulcanForms

Devens, MA • On-site

$115K - $149K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

About Us
Founded in 2015 to develop the world's first industrially scalable laser metal additive manufacturing solution, VulcanForms is reshaping how the world manufactures critical products. We build and operate advanced digital infrastructure that enables innovation, accelerates growth, and supports sustainability across aerospace, defense, medical, and other essential industries. Through our vertically integrated capabilities, including scalable additive manufacturing and precision machining, we deliver true end-to-end production at scale by combining cutting-edge technology with a foundation of proven industrial craftsmanship. Our team brings deep expertise in manufacturing, materials science, software, automation, and operations, united by a shared commitment to quality, curiosity, and accountability. We foster an inclusive culture where people take ownership, solve meaningful problems, and continuously learn, because we believe diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes.
Job Purpose
As the Senior Laser Process Engineer, you will serve as the primary technical owner and process expert for the advanced laser marking and industrial traceability cells powering VulcanForms' newest manufacturing program launch. In this execution-focused role, you will independently bridge the gap between initial hardware integration and stable factory-floor deployment. You will own the installation, validation (IQ/OQ), optical calibration, and statistical recipe development for our precision laser systems.
Key Responsibilities
  • Own the hands-on commissioning and verification of advanced industrial laser systems (including Fiber, UV, Green, and ultra-fast Picosecond/Femtosecond arrays). Draft and execute comprehensive Installation Qualification (IQ) and Operational Qualification (OQ) protocols covering safety interlocks, optical alignment, and utility hookups.
  • Ensure absolute processing repeatability by verifying system power stability, focal position, beam diameter, spot size, and scanner field distortion. Conduct routine galvo scanner calibrations and validate vision-alignment systems to minimize placement drift.
  • Develop robust laser-marking recipes from scratch for diverse materials and product configurations. Design structured engineering experiments (DOE) to manipulate core process variables-including laser power, pulse width, frequency, scan speed, hatch spacing, and focal offset-to optimize marking contrast and minimize Heat-Affected Zones (HAZ).
  • Establish quality acceptance criteria for marked components. Utilize optical microscopes, surface profilometers, and specialized vision verification systems to audit marking depth, contrast, and barcode readability grades. Ensure flawless execution of serialization architectures (UID, UDI, Data Matrix codes).
  • Partner closely with working-level Automation, Robotics, and Software teams to integrate standalone laser marking cells into fully automated production lines. Assist in configuring PLC handshakes, recipe management systems, and sensor telemetry to feed critical manufacturing data into enterprise platforms (MES/ERP).
  • Own the transfer of calibrated processes from the validation phase over to 24/7 manufacturing operations. Define, monitor, and improve cell-level equipment KPIs (OEE, Uptime, MTBF) and process/production KPIs (First-Pass Yield, Barcode Grade Consistency, Cycle Time, Process Capability Cp/Cpk).
  • Act as the technical escalation point for the floor to resolve quality defects (e.g., poor contrast, burn marks, unreadable codes) and equipment faults (e.g., optical contamination, beam misalignment). Author comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), maintenance schedules, and operator training frameworks.
Qualifications
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience in laser material processing, laser marking, or laser micro-machining within a high-volume precision manufacturing environment.
  • Direct experience setting up, operating, and aligning industrial laser systems (Fiber, UV, or CO₂) utilizing galvo scanners, F-theta optics, and beam delivery systems.
  • Documented track record executing formal IQ/OQ/PQ protocols and utilizing vision inspection or barcode verification systems to gauge edge quality and contrast.
  • Proven ability to run structured process window characterizations and analyze process capability utilizing statistical software (Minitab, JMP, or equivalent data tools).
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a highly related technical discipline.
  • Excellent communication skills with a demonstrated ability to collaborate cross-functionally across mechanical, electrical, and quality engineering cohorts to drive project milestones.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with high-precision laser marking software and controller interfaces (e.g., Scanlab, EZCAD, LightBurn, or proprietary OEM software environments).
  • Background working within validation-heavy or highly regulated traceability sectors such as Semiconductor component marking, Electronics/PCB manufacturing, Medical Device UDI printing, or Automotive cell traceability.
  • Familiarity with industrial automation protocols, fieldbus networks, and integrating third-party equipment with programmable logic controllers (PLCs).

VulcanForms offers a competitive salary and equity package. Actual compensation is based on factors such as the candidate's skills, qualifications, and experience. In addition, VulcanForms provides comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; generous paid time off; and a 401(k) plan with company match.
The annual base salary range for this position is $106,000 to $146,000.

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